Violin Method: Lesson #6 - Straight Bows and Tone Production

The first steps to proper tone production.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• todd
• ehle
• violin
• method

[ithaipis]

Hi Todd, I am a 34 year-old neurologist. I also started playing about 18 months ago. It took a while to know that my bow was not parallel to the bridge even though I practiced in front of the mirror everyday. Now I have problem with trying not to touch the other strings while playing at higher left-hand positions. It seems easier to play near the bridge. Is that the way it's supposed to be?

[professorV]

ithaipis, You do have more space between strings at the bridge, however you have to slow the bow speed down and add bow weight to produce a quality sound. It's easier to play right in the middle, half way between the fingerboard and bridge. You sould try memorizing a few notes and watching your contact point. If you bump a higher string, perhaps you need to raise the elbow. If you bump higher and lower strings, reduce the amount of bow until you master it, then add a little more. Good luck.

[irondawson]

Todd, I am 65 years old and have been playing only 3 years, of all the teachers on Youtube , you have been the most helpful and encouraging, really the best teaching

[professorV]

Hi irondawson, Thanks so much for your kind comment. I hope you have a great time learning the violin! Best wishes to you.

[prkoslowski]

i'm an adult beginner who just started playing violin last summer. i saw this from your other set of videos and can honestly say that this exercise has helped me the most of any. i still do this every day.

[professorV]

Hi prkoslowski, It really helped me as well. Thanks for sharing the comment!

[13rawk]

Does the tightness of the bow matter? I try to keep the top of my bow parallel to the hairs. Is that too much?

[itsmeurpeshi]

Hi ! i have queston . I have never played violin but im going , so CAN BEGGINER START playing ELECTRO - violin?

[AdriCrobel]

Hi professor.. I guess you know how helpfull you are, but let me say it again please.. Thank you very much.. Greetings from a really far away country; Venezuela :)

[iplehguitar]

professorV,

i have trouble bowing straight. i'd stare at the contact point, do the figure eight bowing, but it still slides around. i have a very weak control over my bow, is there anything i can do to strengthen the bond between my hand and my bow?

[kyosato27]

hi.. I play the violin and I have a problem with the third string.. Everytime I bow with that, It's not working..help please..tnx..

[Gundam222]

I like watching your videos to compliment my lessons :) I only learned for about 10-15 weeks anyway. I suppose it would help right?

[luiedaclan]

This is fantastic Sir! Thansk!

[ithaipis]

Thanks a lot. You are a great teacher.